Plenary peace talks set for July

The facilitator of the Arusha peace process for Burundi, former South African President Nelson Mandela, said on Tuesday he had worked out a draft agreement between the government and rebel groups during two days of talks in Johannesburg. “Without giving much detail, I can say we have reached a landmark agreement,” Mandela told a news conference. He said rebel groups had asked for more time to study the draft agreement and to consult their field commanders. As a result of the request, Mandela said he had decided to shift the next plenary session of the Arusha talks from June to July. Key negotiation issues include the integration of Hutu rebels into the army, the formation of a transitional government and a future electoral system.